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Ferrari California / California T F149 faults

7 faults documented by at least two sources, listed by version then by mileage at onset when known.

Buy with care
Reliability
3.5/5

7 known faults

California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports

  1. Airbag recalls (passenger inflator, driver airbag, control unit)

    Manufacturer recall

    Several official US recalls cover the airbags: passenger inflators that may rupture on 2009-2011 Californias (and replacement parts covered by a second recall), then on the 2014 California and the 2015-2018 California Ts; a poorly assembled driver airbag module on 2015 California Ts built from December 2014 to April 2015; and an airbag control unit that may prevent proper deployment on 2016-2018 California Ts. The remedies are free: check each recall with the serial number.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports, California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Recall: brake fluid reservoir cap

    Manufacturer recall

    A 2022 US recall covers the 2009-2017 California and the California T: the brake fluid reservoir cap may not vent properly, which can create a vacuum and cause a leak, leading to partial or total loss of braking. Dealers replace the cap and add a low-level warning message.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports, California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  3. Retractable hard top: mechanism, guides and hydraulic leaks

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    Buying guides cite the roof as an expensive point: Exotic Car Hacks says the mechanism can fail or get stuck, Supercars.net that the hydraulic rams can leak over time (check the boot), and CarsCounsel that the plastic slider guides often break on first-generation cars, which can jam the panels. Automonitor adds, for the California T, roof seals to be replaced after 5 to 7 years and wind noise at motorway speeds. Operate the roof several times before buying.

    Versions
    California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports, California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  4. Dual-clutch gearbox: sensors on the first cars

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    Exotic Car Hacks reports speed sensor problems on 2009-2011 Californias, which often require a gearbox replacement, as repair kits are not readily available from Ferrari. Supercars.net mentions occasional clutch position sensor problems on the first models, which degrade the quality of gear changes, and recommends checking that recalls or updates have been carried out. CarsCounsel also mentions sensor faults on 2009-2011 models and an updated calibration for the California T.

    Versions
    California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  5. Battery that discharges or fails early

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    Exotic Car Hacks reports frequent battery failures on Californias and California Ts, even when a trickle charger is used. Supercars.net and CarsCounsel report the battery discharging when the car is driven little. Check the date of the last replacement, and connect a trickle charger if the car is going to be laid up.

    Versions
    California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports, California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  6. Sticky interior buttons

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    The rubberised coating on the buttons and climate controls degrades with heat and becomes sticky (CarsCounsel). Supercars.net classes this defect among the cosmetic issues of both generations. Refurbishing or replacing the controls is a common expense on older cars (CarsCounsel).

    Versions
    California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports, California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports

  1. Airbag recalls (passenger inflator, driver airbag, control unit)

    Manufacturer recall

    Several official US recalls cover the airbags: passenger inflators that may rupture on 2009-2011 Californias (and replacement parts covered by a second recall), then on the 2014 California and the 2015-2018 California Ts; a poorly assembled driver airbag module on 2015 California Ts built from December 2014 to April 2015; and an airbag control unit that may prevent proper deployment on 2016-2018 California Ts. The remedies are free: check each recall with the serial number.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports, California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Recall: brake fluid reservoir cap

    Manufacturer recall

    A 2022 US recall covers the 2009-2017 California and the California T: the brake fluid reservoir cap may not vent properly, which can create a vacuum and cause a leak, leading to partial or total loss of braking. Dealers replace the cap and add a low-level warning message.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports, California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  3. Retractable hard top: mechanism, guides and hydraulic leaks

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    Buying guides cite the roof as an expensive point: Exotic Car Hacks says the mechanism can fail or get stuck, Supercars.net that the hydraulic rams can leak over time (check the boot), and CarsCounsel that the plastic slider guides often break on first-generation cars, which can jam the panels. Automonitor adds, for the California T, roof seals to be replaced after 5 to 7 years and wind noise at motorway speeds. Operate the roof several times before buying.

    Versions
    California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports, California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  4. Battery that discharges or fails early

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    Exotic Car Hacks reports frequent battery failures on Californias and California Ts, even when a trickle charger is used. Supercars.net and CarsCounsel report the battery discharging when the car is driven little. Check the date of the last replacement, and connect a trickle charger if the car is going to be laid up.

    Versions
    California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports, California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  5. Sticky interior buttons

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    The rubberised coating on the buttons and climate controls degrades with heat and becomes sticky (CarsCounsel). Supercars.net classes this defect among the cosmetic issues of both generations. Refurbishing or replacing the controls is a common expense on older cars (CarsCounsel).

    Versions
    California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports, California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports

  1. Recall: fuel line not properly connected (California T 2016)

    Manufacturer recall

    Ferrari recalled, in the United States, California T cars of the 2016 model year built from 8 September to 11 November 2015: a low-pressure fuel line could be poorly connected to the pump, with a risk of a leak into the engine compartment and of fire. The free remedy is replacement of the line. Check with the serial number through the Ferrari network.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Airbag recalls (passenger inflator, driver airbag, control unit)

    Manufacturer recall

    Several official US recalls cover the airbags: passenger inflators that may rupture on 2009-2011 Californias (and replacement parts covered by a second recall), then on the 2014 California and the 2015-2018 California Ts; a poorly assembled driver airbag module on 2015 California Ts built from December 2014 to April 2015; and an airbag control unit that may prevent proper deployment on 2016-2018 California Ts. The remedies are free: check each recall with the serial number.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports, California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  3. Recall: brake fluid reservoir cap

    Manufacturer recall

    A 2022 US recall covers the 2009-2017 California and the California T: the brake fluid reservoir cap may not vent properly, which can create a vacuum and cause a leak, leading to partial or total loss of braking. Dealers replace the cap and add a low-level warning message.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports, California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  4. Retractable hard top: mechanism, guides and hydraulic leaks

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    Buying guides cite the roof as an expensive point: Exotic Car Hacks says the mechanism can fail or get stuck, Supercars.net that the hydraulic rams can leak over time (check the boot), and CarsCounsel that the plastic slider guides often break on first-generation cars, which can jam the panels. Automonitor adds, for the California T, roof seals to be replaced after 5 to 7 years and wind noise at motorway speeds. Operate the roof several times before buying.

    Versions
    California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports, California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  5. Battery that discharges or fails early

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    Exotic Car Hacks reports frequent battery failures on Californias and California Ts, even when a trickle charger is used. Supercars.net and CarsCounsel report the battery discharging when the car is driven little. Check the date of the last replacement, and connect a trickle charger if the car is going to be laid up.

    Versions
    California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports, California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  6. Sticky interior buttons

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    The rubberised coating on the buttons and climate controls degrades with heat and becomes sticky (CarsCounsel). Supercars.net classes this defect among the cosmetic issues of both generations. Refurbishing or replacing the controls is a common expense on older cars (CarsCounsel).

    Versions
    California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports, California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

Price and diagnose repairs

Read fault codes

An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.

Parts and maintenance

Compare prices of parts for the Ferrari California / California T F149 (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.

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